Disclaimer: I don't own CSI. Just a simple fan and writer.

A/N: Not a romantic ficlet. There aren't many Brass stories out there so here's a possible scenario between Brass and his estranged daughter Ellie. Takes place pretty much any time after A Bullet Runs Through It. Hope you enjoy.

Ficlet 15 (ch.1): Fleeting Chance

It was the end of the day and Brass was heading home. He was tired and disgusted - just one of those days. As he approached his house, he thought he saw a figure. He pulled in and looked around. Nothing was there.

'My eyes must be playing tricks on me,' he thought. He went inside but was a little more alert.

Sitting back, he took of his jacket and slid of his shoes. Then he sat up, 'What's that?'

With his gun drawn, he got up and headed to the side door.

"Show yourself, whoever you are," he yelled out. There was a soft rustle. He swung around. Was there someone in his house?

He felt fear creeping in, but held his ground. "LVPD! Come out, I'm armed!"

A slim shadow cast itself on the wall perpendicular to him. He crept closer, his hand on the trigger. He walked to the living room and saw-

"Ellie!"

She was discovered, "Hi dad."

"You're... what are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you too," she replied sarcastically.

Brass put his gun away, "No, I mean... of course I'm glad to see you. But why are you sneaking around my house in the middle of the night? I could've shot you!"

"You're a better cop than that. After all, it was the only thing you were good at," she replied tartly.

"You're probably the only one who thinks so," Brass replied, recalling the officer he killed in 'friendly fire.' He'd rather not think about that...

"So, when did you get here? How are things?" Brass was trying to figure out why his daughter was back, but not trying to pressure her into talking, "I see you've gone back to blonde," he smiled wryly.

"Yeah. Blondes have more fun, you know," she always knew how to push his buttons.

"Right. You want something to drink?" Brass headed to the refrigerator.

"I'm good. I got in with the spare key. You know that fake rock doesn't fool anyone," she sighed and sat down.

Brass looked at her and pulled up a seat, "Are you going to be here for a while?"

She regarded him seriously before speaking, "I got your basket. Finally have time to tell you. It was... something"

He couldn't tell if she liked it or not.

"You told me once, If I ever needed something I could come and see you," she looked a little distressed.

"Is something wrong? You're not in any trouble are you?" Brass suddenly looked worried.

"No. Can't I just visit you without there being some ulterior motive?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry, it's just. I've had a rough night and then you just appeared..." he trailed off.

"I understand." She stood up.

"Wait? Where are you going? Aren't you going to spend the night? You're old room is till up there."

"Fine. I guess I need some sleep."

"Great. I hope we can talk some more tomorrow," he got up and headed upstairs with a broad smile.

He didn't catch the disheartened look on her face.

He was able to sleep a nice restful sleep. He woke up a little later than he usually did. He decided to check up on Ellie. Heading for her room, he noted it was really quiet.

"Ellie? Are you awake?"

Her room was untouched. He could've sworn she was in here asleep. He saw her in bed when he went to the restroom. He walked downstairs calling her name, spying a small note on the kitchen counter he grabbed it and read it.

It was just the simple words, 'Thank you'.In her small cursive. His weariness returned full force, and he walked back upstairs, slowly.

She had appeared like a ghost and left the same way.

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Very dramatic, yes but I wrote a second part to this. Stay tuned. And please review. Thank you for reading.